Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati: 2012 Geneva Motor Show Preview

At last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, Abarth showed its 695 Tributo Ferrari, a tuned and customized version of the Fiat 500 dedicated to Ferrari's racing legacy. For this year's Geneva show, it's Maserati that gets the tribute.

The Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati, like the brand it honors, errs more on the luxurious side of the performance spectrum, while still packing Abarth's characteristic bite.

Just 499 of the cars will be sold. Designed and built in collaboration with Maserati, the 695 Tributo is designed to "epitomize sheer elegance united to the comfort of a 'GranTurismo', but with the handling of a car fit to take to the road every day."

Big words for a small car, to be sure, but with a boosted 1.4-liter T-Jet 16-valve engine rated at 180 horsepower, electrically-operated Abarth Competizione gearbox with paddle shifters, 305-mm Brembo brakes, 17-alloy wheels from Maserati, and a dual-mode Record Monza exhaust, the car may just be able to back up its claims.

Painted in Pontevecchio Bordeaux, a three-layer paint from Maserati, with an electric soft-top in grey fabric, it's sure to be noticed. Inside, the 695 Tributo Maserati is decked out with sand beige Poltrona Frau leather, matte-finish carbin trim, and Jaeger-produced instruments, it's more Maserati than Fiat.

We'll be live at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, so check back with us for the latest details, live photos, and more.